| name | T1091_replication-through-removable-media |
| description | Adversaries may move onto systems, possibly those on disconnected or air-gapped networks, by copying malware to removable media and taking advantage of Autorun features when the media is inserted i... |
| category | authorization |
| version | 18.1 |
| author | cyberstrike-official |
| tags | ["mitre-attack","enterprise","t1091","lateral-movement","initial-access","windows"] |
| technique_id | T1091 |
| tactic | lateral-movement |
| all_tactics | ["lateral-movement","initial-access"] |
| platforms | ["Windows"] |
| mitre_url | https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1091 |
| tech_stack | ["windows"] |
| cwe_ids | ["CWE-284"] |
| chains_with | [] |
| prerequisites | [] |
| severity_boost | {} |
T1091 Replication Through Removable Media
High-Level Description
Adversaries may move onto systems, possibly those on disconnected or air-gapped networks, by copying malware to removable media and taking advantage of Autorun features when the media is inserted into a system and executes. In the case of Lateral Movement, this may occur through modification of executable files stored on removable media or by copying malware and renaming it to look like a legitimate file to trick users into executing it on a separate system. In the case of Initial Access, this may occur through manual manipulation of the media, modification of systems used to initially format the media, or modification to the media's firmware itself.
Mobile devices may also be used to infect PCs with malware if connected via USB. This infection may be achieved using devices (Android, iOS, etc.) and, in some instances, USB charging cables. For example, when a smartphone is connected to a system, it may appear to be mounted similar to a USB-connected disk drive. If malware that is compatible with the connected system is on the mobile device, the malware could infect the machine (especially if Autorun features are enabled).
Kill Chain Phase
- Lateral Movement (TA0008)
- Initial Access (TA0001)
Platforms: Windows
What to Check
How to Test
Atomic Red Team Tests
The following tests are from Atomic Red Team and provide actionable ways to test this technique:
Atomic Test 1: USB Malware Spread Simulation
Simulates an adversary copying malware to all connected removable drives.
Supported Platforms: windows
$RemovableDrives=@()
$RemovableDrives = Get-WmiObject -Class Win32_LogicalDisk -filter "drivetype=2" | select-object -expandproperty DeviceID
ForEach ($Drive in $RemovableDrives)
{
write-host "Removable Drive Found:" $Drive
New-Item -Path $Drive/T1091Test1.txt -ItemType "file" -Force -Value "T1091 Test 1 has created this file to simulate malware spread to removable drives."
}
Manual Testing
If Atomic Red Team tests are not applicable, manually verify the technique by:
